Eric Schultheiss

Eric Schultheiss is redefining the boundaries of contemporary music as a composer, percussionist, and educator. Renowned for his hybrid electro-acoustic works, Schultheiss seamlessly fuses polyrhythmic complexity, orchestral color, and digital innovation—crafting music that pulses with primal energy while shimmering with cinematic beauty. Drawing inspiration from Stewart Copeland, Peter Gabriel, and the progressive imagination of Genesis, his sound world is equal parts tradition and exploration.

Currently Head of Percussion Studies and Electro-Acoustic Composition at the Middle Tennessee Conservatory of Music, Schultheiss champions the DAW as a creative instrument, using real-time digital sculpting to bring intricate, evolving  orchestrations to life. His signature pieces—like the polyrhythmic holiday odyssey Lights Twinkle, the kinetic dance-driven Airidea’s Journal, and the meditative As You Sleep—have been featured in film, dance, and multimedia collaborations.